Grammy Winners Spotlight: Shakti's Resonance in Jazz Fusion

Salut Les Amis! As I write this newsletter, the 66th edition of the Grammy awards will be hosted in Los Angeles California. With over 94 categories and nominations that include some of the biggest names in the music industry, having a song nominated for a Grammy can be equated to a lifetime achievement award. And there is one particular group of artists who symbolize the epitome of consistent hard work for 54 years and now being finally recognized for their contributions in the field. The name of the act is…drumroll please

Shakti, the brainchild of jazz virtuoso, John Mclaughlin and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, was born out of their mutual admiration of their art and a chance meeting in small music store in New York City. What conspired in that small music store has now given rise to three studio albums, one live album and countless tours all over the world. In 2023, Shakti reunited for their 50th anniversary tour and influenced many musicians who followed their footsteps in creating cross-cultural musical fusions. I happened to watch them live in Philadelphia and it can safely be said that it was one of the most incredible performances I have ever watched.

And when it comes to recognition, there's no greater honor in the music world than a Grammy nomination. This is a testament to an artist's talent, hard work, and impact on the music industry. It's not just about the accolades, but the respect and admiration from one's peers. This is why having a song nominated for a Grammy can be equated to a lifetime achievement award.

Success in the music world can be measured in many ways - album sales, chart rankings, concert attendance, and so on. But for many artists, the true measure of success is the impact they have on their audience and their peers. Recognition, like a Grammy nomination, is a testament to this impact. It's an acknowledgement of an artist's talent and their contribution to the art of music.

So in today’s newsletter, I am going celebrate these artists and dig deeper into the process of drawing inspiration from their journeys. Whether it's their daily practice habits, their approach to creativity, or how they handle the pressure of performing, there's so much we can learn from them. Shakti, as an act lives and breathes on the notion of collaboration.

I believe music is a universal language that connects people, and collaboration is a key aspect of creating and sharing this art form. When musicians collaborate, they not only share their skills and talents but also their unique perspectives and experiences.

Open Communication: The key to good music collaboration is clear talking. Whether it's about new song ideas, feedback, or project plans, it's important to speak clearly and truthfully. This creates a good base for your teamwork and makes sure everyone understands. In today’s world, the internet can be the most incredible resource to look for a collaborator. For eg: I discovered a collaborator for one of my upcoming songs, Caramel Sunset via Instagram. Admittedly, I was very nervous about reaching out to him directly. So I decided to speak to a common friend and asked her to introduce us via email. Once we established a connection and discussed the project, the musical ideas started pouring in. Since each of us had our own unique approach to creating music, the first few months were all about learning each other’s musical tendencies and preferences. After 8 months of back and forth, the song was finally complete and it will be out soon for you all to enjoy! 😊

Active Listening: Collaboration is not just about expressing your own ideas but also listening to others. Active listening involves fully understanding and appreciating what the other person is saying. This can lead to more creative ideas, better problem-solving, and a more harmonious working relationship. In my case, for the song Caramel Sunset, since my intention was to create a jazz fusion piece, active listening played a crucial role in our success. At first, we faced a challenge in merging our distinct musical styles of progressive rock and classical jazz. However, by actively listening to his saxophone solos, I gained a deeper understanding of his style, the nuances he preferred, and the emotional tone he aimed to convey through his music. This understanding allowed me to adapt my own contributions, aligning them better with his style, and creating a more cohesive and harmonious piece. Furthermore, our open communication lines enabled us to give and receive constructive feedback, leading to continuous improvement and refinement of our collaboration. 😁

Embrace Diversity: Diversity in collaboration can lead to innovation. Working with people who have different musical backgrounds, styles, and experiences can bring fresh perspectives and ideas. If there is just one thing I have learnt from having a collaborative approach to making music is to not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone and explore new genres, techniques, and approaches to music. Earlier, I felt as though I was restricting myself by thinking only in terms of guitar and being limited by my technical abilities on the instrument. Between Caramel Sunset and working with a few other musicians on a few other side projects, I feel like I have broadened my approach to music to a point where I can just think in terms of what melodic and harmonic elements should be incorporated.

The simple fact that there are musicians all over the world who are willing to contribute to your artistic vision and add their own little spin on it is incredibly inspiring and this is what keeps me motivated to make more and more music. A lot of these tiny bits of realizations have come from having more and more conversations with musicians and also from a book that I have been reading. If you would like to read my book summaries, you can read them here! And as I continue to navigate my own path in the world of music, I pinch myself to remember to enjoy the process, because as I've seen from these great artists, when you truly love what you do, the outcome is bound to be something beautiful.

Quote of the week 🍀

Current Favorites! ❤️

Book:  Krishnamurti's "The Book of Life" is a compilation of his profound reflections and teachings, offering a holistic guide to self-discovery and inner transformation. This spiritual classic delves into the complexities of human existence, urging readers to explore their own consciousness, question societal conditioning, and cultivate a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Krishnamurti encourages a mindful approach to daily living, emphasizing the importance of awareness, love, and intelligence in navigating the challenges of existence. The book serves as a timeless companion for those seeking wisdom and a profound exploration of the fundamental aspects of the human experience. If you’d like to read my book summaries, follow this link! 😁 

Podcast: Since my latest interest is to develop an in depth understanding of Jazz Standards, I have been listening to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast by Brent Vaartstra. This podcast has bite sized episodes that break down each key concept and add a summarized action plan at the end so you are able to add the concepts to your own practice routine.

Song: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Soundtrack. I often use cinematic soundtracks to help me focus at work and I have created a playlist for myself that I use on a daily basis. These tracks are the perfect balance and help me acheive deep focus states while working on all my tasks for the week! If you would like to listen to more in depth analysis of songs and some of my absolute favorites curated into my own personal radio-show-esque format, give this episode of Spotify Music+Talk a listen! 🎵 😁 

Hope you are having a good week! See you on the LiveStream on my YouTube Channel on Saturday, 10th February!

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